HIGHER EDUCATION · FOCUS AREA
Building
Workplace Mediation and Conflict Resolution
Two offices cannot work together, and the work is waiting on them.
We work with presidents and other institutional leaders to address conflicts that prevent people and teams from working effectively together. As a neutral third party, we create space for honest conversations, help those involved understand the underlying issues, and work toward practical resolutions. Our approach helps institutions move beyond entrenched positions, rebuild productive working relationships, and make progress on important decisions that have been stalled by conflict.
ON A CAMPUS
Where does the work need to happen?
Two vice presidents whose units have stopped cooperating, and everyone has stopped mentioning it.
A provost and a faculty senate at an impasse with an accreditation deadline approaching.
A reorganization that merged two offices and two cultures that have not merged.
ACROSS THE INSTITUTION
What this work looks like for the whole institution.
Executive-level mediation and disputes that cross divisions and have no natural owner.
INSIDE A DIVISION OR UNIT
What it looks like for a single division.
Conflict inside a single division: between a leader and a team, or among a leadership group that has stopped functioning.
HOW WE WORK
We listen, evaluate, and build.
01
Listen
We begin by hearing the perspectives of those involved and understanding the history and circumstances that have contributed to the conflict.
02
Evaluate
Workplace conflict rarely exists in isolation. We look beyond individual disagreements to understand how organizational structures, expectations, and relationships may be contributing to the situation.
03
Build
As a neutral facilitator, we help people engage in constructive conversations, identify common ground, and develop agreements they can support.
04
Support
Resolving a disagreement is only part of the work. We help establish practical expectations and commitments that support more productive relationships moving forward.
FROM THE RESOURCE HUB
Advancing Higher Education
Turning strategy into an integrated way of operating
University of Montana
Advancing Higher Education
From institutional strategy to execution
Montana State University + University of Montana
Advancing Higher Education
Building strategy through university-wide engagement and alignment
Montana State University + Northern Arizona University